On February 25th, Tony-nominated artist Dorian Harewood (“The Notebook” musical on Broadway) performed “Songs from the Brill Building” at 54 Below in New York City.
Tony Daniels on guitar served as his musical director with Gabriel Aldort on piano, Greg Germann on drums, and Eamon Rayhn on the bass. His special guests featured Sharon Catherine Brown and Julia Roome (“The Voice”).
This one-night only concert helps the families of the Altadena community in California, which were devastated by the recent California wildfires in conjunction with CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort).
Harewood kicked off his set with Carole King’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” where he was joined by vocalists Steffani Bennett and Lorraine Ferro. “I am very happy to have you here and I am very happy to be here,” Harewood told his New York audience.
He immediately broke into the upbeat “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” which was made famous by Dionne Warwick in the late ’60s, as well as Neil Sedaka’s “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.”
Harewood shared that “The Notebook” marked his return to Broadway after 46 years, and he segued into “On Broadway” and “Save the Last Dance for Me,” which he described as a “beautiful song,” and rightfully so.
During their tribute to Carole King and Gerry Goffin, he gave the floor to the ladies in this band and they serenaded the fans to “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and it was followed by a soaring version of Neil Diamond’s first hit single “Solitary Man.”
After a smooth rendition of “Love Potion Number Nine,” “The Voice” alumna Julia Roome joined him on the 54 Below stage for Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion.” “What a voice she has,” Harewood said, complimenting Roome. “She is only 10 years old,” he jokingly laughed.
He picked up the pace with the enthralling “I’m a Believer” by The Monkees, and Sharon Catherine Brown (“Dreamgirls”) blew the roof of the venue — literally — with her powerful pies on the bluesy “Hound Dog.” She earned a tremendous round of applause for a job well done.
After “Up on the Roof,” he closed with the somber “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and on a fitting note with “What the World Needs Now,” where he was joined by all of his special guests and band members.
The Verdict
Overall, it was a pleasant evening of songs and music by Dorian Harewood at 54 Below, which also raised money for charitable causes (providing aid for the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires).
To learn more about Dorian Harewood, check out his official website, and follow him on Instagram.
